Bradley Cooper will return to Broadway in The Elephant Man

Come see the show! The lights of Hollywood are enough for many but they don’t seem to be enough for actor Bradley Cooper who is trading them in for the lights of Broadway. While rumors have been swirling the internet for weeks, an official announcement came today regarding a much-anticipated production headed to New York next season starring one of Hollywood’s most popular leading man. While many know Cooper for his talent and what many describe as good looks, quite the opposite will happen when he makes his return to Broadway next season in a play you might not expect. Today, Luner on Theatre brings you the exciting news that Bradley Cooper will return to Broadway in The Elephant Man!

The Elephant Man is a play written by Bernard Pomerance which tells the story of Joseph Merrick who was simply known to many as the elephant man. Known best for the extreme deformity of his body, Joseph lived in the Victorian era and appeared on the Victorian stage in a freak show act and would eventually make his way to become to toast of high society in London. His battle against his deformity challenge people to their own beliefs and judgements shattering the idea of normalcy in an era defined by perfection. The Elephant Man is an extraordinary play that brings to life Merrick’s journey not through make up but by the physical condition of the actor playing him. This allows the audience to experience and imagine what Merrick would have looked like in this incredible piece which covers the topic of human dignity.

Today, James L. Nederlander proudly announced today two-time Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper would return to Broadway in Fall 2014 for a production of The Elephant Man. Cooper previously played the role of Joseph Merrick in the 2012 staging of the production at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Cooper also made his Broadway debut in 2006 in Three Days of Rain opposite Julia Roberts. This will be Cooper’s first return to the stage in over 8 years. Scott Ellis, who directed the show at Williamstown, will return to direct the Broadway production as well.

Bradley Cooper is an American actor who hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born on January 5th, 1975 and gained recognition through his appearances on television in Alias and Jack & Bobby. Before becoming an A lister, he was seen in such films as Wedding Crashers, Yes Man and He’s Just Not That Into You! Since then, he has become notorious after appearing in The Hanover 1, 2 & 3, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. In 2011, he was ranked the sexiest man alive by People Magazine.

It has also already been announced that two of Cooper’s original co-stars from the Williamstown production will join him for the Broadway mounting as well. Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Niyola will appear in the Broadway production. The Elephant Man first came to Broadway in 1979 and won the Tony Award for Best Play. Philip Anglim who starred in the title role in 1979 received a Tony nomination for his work. Billy Crudup, who played the title role in the 2002 Broadway revival of the production, also received a Tony Award nomination for his work.

At this point in time, no official Broadway house has been named to house the production. However, Nederlander did announce today that the production would eventually find a home in a Shubert house.

Cooper’s return to Broadway adds to the list of stars set for the Great White Way in the upcoming year. While over 10 major Hollywood names will appear on Broadway this spring season alone, Cooper’s commitment for the Fall 2014 season proves just how often we are seeing Hollywood A list names make the transition to theatre for whatever reason recently. If I had to pin point one, I honestly would not be able to tell you. However, it is worth noting that is exciting when you have talent like Cooper appear on stage in a certified well suited theatrical piece. While I know not very much about The Elephant Man, I do believe it’s return to Broadway comes a significant time and could have a large impact with cooper’s involvement. The world we are currently living in is one where stereotypes and discrimination against those who are different, for whatever reason, is at an all time high. Cooper’s work in The Elephant Man can not only remind us but show us all the pain caused when we treat others not like we should simply because they are different.

No official dates have been announced yet for The Elephant Man‘s return to Broadway. However, Luner on Theatre will be sure to keep you updated on everything we find out as this production moves forward for a Fall 2014 bow in New York! All photos included in this post are from the 2012 Williamstown staging of The Elephant Man starring Bradley Cooper. At this point in time, no official website for The Elephant Man has been created. For more information, visit The Playbill Vault on The Elephant Man. Be sure to check Luner on Theatre on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter as well! We are constantly updating these pages with information! And of course, check out the rest of Luner on Theatre for all your theatre news you don’t only need but want to know and so much more!

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About Luner on Theatre

Luner on Theatre was a blog created for the sole purpose of being a forum for theatre discussion on the Internet and social networking sites. Luner on Theatre is not only a theatre news-reporting site source, but is also a site that works to publish topics that will spark discussion among those working in the theatre industry and the fans that support it.